Phone Scammer Attempts to Steal Cash from Local Business

A local business narrowly avoided losing money after an employee was targeted in a phone scam by someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer.

According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the caller said he was a lieutenant with a local police department and told the employee the business was under investigation for counterfeit bills. The scammer instructed the employee to collect all of the cash from the register and take it to a store in Smithville, where he said it would be turned over as evidence.

Investigators said it is not yet clear whether the suspect intended to meet the employee in person or direct her to deposit the money into a cryptocurrency ATM.

The caller also asked the employee for her name and date of birth. After she provided the information, he repeated back details including her parents’ names and home address, making the call appear legitimate.

Authorities warned that scammers can obtain personal information from public records, data breaches and other sources, then use those details to gain a victim’s trust. They emphasized that a caller knowing personal information does not mean the person is actually a police officer.

The employee had already taken the cash and was driving to the location provided by the scammer when the business owner learned what was happening. The owner contacted the employee, told her it was a scam and instructed her to return to the business. The quick action prevented any financial loss.

The investigation is ongoing. Authorities are urging small businesses to remain alert and remind employees that if law enforcement needs to speak with them, officers will make contact in person.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story